How to pick the right pet for your family

Choosing the right pet for a big family can be a real challenge, and there’re a lot of things that you have to consider before making the final decision. Why is it so complicated? Well, the fact is that some animals are far easier to deal with compared to others.

Let’s make a comparison of some of the most common species you might have to bear in mind if you want to adopt or buy a new pet, and you’re having trouble telling which one might be the perfect choice for your family.

Cats and dogs

The first thing you should mull over if you’re thinking of getting a dog is that you should have enough space to ensure that the pet’s able to run and have fun when you’re away from home. Sure, if there’s always someone at the house, that person can make sure that the dog doesn’t get bored.

However, the fact is that a canine buddy requires a lot more room compared to a cat, so it makes a feasible choice only if you have a yard or a big apartment when a small to medium-sized breed dog can roam comfortably.

Besides, depending on how large they are; some dogs eat a lot of food so you’ll spend some of your money in that direction. Furthermore, some breeds have a natural predisposition to developing certain medical conditions like hip dysplasia (German Shepherds, Labradors, and others).

Cats are far easier to take care of, by comparison. They’re smaller; they eat less food; their medical conditions aren’t that many when compared to those of dogs, and they don’t need that much space. They do make poor choices for people who have allergies, though.

Rodents

Some of the common rodents that can be kept as pets are rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, as well as gerbils. First off, it’s worth noting that all of these require a lot less effort in terms of cleaning and maintenance compared to dogs and cats. However, rats need to be trained before being adopted because they can seriously hurt children. Their aggressive nature can be dangerous.

Hamsters and gerbils are usually tame and calm. They require a lot less in the way of housing and food. There are many different options when it comes to getting such gear for small-sized pets, but you won’t have to break the bank to ensure the comfort of your animal.

Reptiles

Snakes, chameleons, bearded dragons, turtles, and even tortoises can make good pets for certain people. Keep in mind that some types of snakes could pose a real threat to the health and safety of some of your family members, especially if they do not know how to handle such animals.

There have been cases reported where even professional breeders got hurt when handling some types of snakes, particularly constrictors like Pythons and Anacondas. However, nothing is wrong with most species you can find available in pet stores, in the sense that they aren’t venomous. Do handle constrictors with care, though, especially if they are adults.

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